A delivery driver has been awarded $50 million after suffering severe burns from a spilled Starbucks drink. Michael Garcia was injured when a venti-sized tea spilled in his lap at a drive-through in California on February 8, 2020. The Los Angeles County jury found in favor of Garcia, who underwent painful skin grafts and other procedures due to his injuries, which have left him with permanent disfigurement.
Garcia’s lawsuit claimed that Starbucks was negligent, arguing that an employee failed to secure the hot drink properly in the takeout tray. His attorney, Nick Rowley, emphasized that the verdict is an important step in holding Starbucks accountable for not prioritizing customer safety.
In response, Starbucks expressed sympathy for Garcia but announced plans to appeal the jury’s decision. The company disagreed with the ruling and described the damages awarded as excessive, insisting that it upholds high safety standards when handling hot beverages.
This case is not isolated; restaurants have faced similar lawsuits over burns in the past. A notable case from the 1990s involved a woman who was awarded nearly $3 million after being burned by hot coffee at McDonald’s, although that amount was later reduced.
As this situation unfolds, it raises questions about the responsibilities of food service companies in ensuring customer safety, especially when it comes to handling hot drinks.